By Karen Staley, Vice President IAAPA Europe
Euro Attractions Show 2012 will be the largest show in the history of EAS and we can’t thank enough the IAAPA members and exhibitors for their continuous support.
Related: IAAPA’s Euro Attractions Show: A “New Adventure” in Berlin / IAAPA’s Euro Attractions Show (EAS) 2012 Opens Fifth Hall to Accommodate Record Exhibit Sales / London- IAAPA’s Record Breaking Euro Attractions Show
To further improve EAS we always think about what we can do to deliver a better experience for our members. We have spent a lot of time talking to members and working with our committees to provide the visitors with more knowledge in seminars, additional presentations on best practices, improved networking, and overall better ideas for operating facilities in Europe. This is why EAS 2012 will have some good old favorites, some improved experiences, and some even very new ones.
The first day of the Euro Attractions Show, Tuesday 9th of October 2012, will start with two complete 
new events: at 9:30 in the morning, EAS will present a new seminar — attendees will have a glimpse at the latest innovations of high-tech exhibitors at the high tech seminar. Several companies will present here their latest innovations in that field and give participants an idea of what’s hot in tech products!
For the first time ever, EAS will have an “Official Opening Ceremony”: a short presentation of the 2012 highlights in the European attractions industry, entertainment acts, and greetings from IAAPA Chairman of the board Roland Mack (above left, with Chip Cleary))will be the essence of this years opening ceremony.
Looking back at the last year, the European committees of IAAPA have decided to host only one special evening networking event this year at EAS. Focusing on the evening of the 9th of October, we plan to offer attendees an exciting Opening Reception, which will include more live entertainment, more food options and some more special surprises!
With the success of the first European Leadership Breakfast in 2011, we were convinced that we need to repeat this event. We asked our Chairman of the Board, Roland Mack, to share his vision of the industry once we are in his home country. And it was actually Herr Mack, who invited Fernando Aldecoa, CEO of Spain’s PortAventura, to join him on the stage for a discussion on the past, the present, the future, and the green strategy of the two parks. 
Traditionally, the conference programme includes hands-on presentations of best practices for all level of parks and departments lead by fellow attractions colleagues from Europe. In an effort to constantly improve the seminar programme, we always try to go the extra step and offer something, which attendees can bring home. Seminars this year will encompass Halloween events, safety, emerging markets, social media, guest services, sustainability, and pricing. We are very happy as well to welcome for the first time the F&B industry with three different market leaders (Coca-Cola, 
Segafredo, and Unilever) offering their views of trends and best-selling ideas.
Our intention each year is to offer two tours to top ‘class facilities and unique sites and we are happy that we able to offer a tour to the unique Tropical Island Indoor Waterpark Resort and the historic movie studio Filmpark Babelsberg, two very proud members of IAAPA just outside of Berlin: On Friday 12 October IAAPA will host as well again the EAS Post Tour with visits this year to Heide-Park, Hansa-Park, and Hamburg in a small and intimate group.
We want all of industry professionals to take part in Europe’s premier event for the attractions industry. So REGISTER NOW and join colleagues, friends, and the IAAPA team in Berlin for EAS 2012.
We look forward to seeing all of you in Berlin.
Image: Roland Mack with Chip Cleary, kind courtesy Europa-Park
